"True, my friend.   I doubt there will be trouble but we must be ready.", Kichiro said.   He straightened his new clothes and made himself presentable to the potential VIP.  Then his strapped on his falchion and grabbed his bow.

Sakshi will also make himself presentable as he departs, with his new garment and his faithful dog.

Ales wears the ornamental outfit given to him by the Omo some time ago, and after making sure he is presentable, joins the others to meet the delegation.

You arrive at the wharf, were the long awaited ship bearing Master Phuong is due to be docking.

The ship, flying Sahuidese colors, is being met by the local longshoremen and the harbormnaster.
The porters and dockworkers seem a little anxious, as they too remember what happened last time.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 221):

Sakshi will be checking out the dock workers, looking for any in armour or armed.

In reply to Saishi Jin (msg # 222):

A number of the dockworkers have crowbars or belaying pins, and most carry knives of some species.

In reply to dockworker (msg # 223):

Are any armoured?

None seem to be armored.  You note that the Harbormaster has two guards with swords beside him.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 225):

Someone expected to be friendly, but he will check with others anyway. Who would know?

The ship's captain comes down to chat with the harbormaster, who begins reading over the shipping manifest as the
stevedores start unloading cargo. Not too long a while later, and you spot the familiar figure of Lee Phuong!

The Omo's agent comes wearing fresh silk robes, no doubt part of the delay was him changing into them,
and guiding several trunks being ported down the gangplank.

In reply to Lee Phuong (msg # 227):

Saishi will make sure he is where he needs to be. With his dog, ready.

Chou-Zhen, with a bright silk overrobe covering most of his armor, also stays ready, his whip coiled at his side.

Kichiro stood alongside his comrades.  Vigilant. Ready for trouble.

Ales stays quiet, watching the events unfold.

In reply to Ales Konstantin (msg # 231):

Despite frowning and shouting at the porter's carrying the assorted trunks, Master Phuong seems to be secretly pleased to see the honor guard waiting.

The Omo's Neku servants collect the trunks once offloaded and checked off by the Harbormaster.

"It is about time you lot showed up! Let us return to the compound, I have much to discuss with the Omo."

In reply to Lee Phuong (msg # 232):

Saishi will remain vigilant as he leads the group, his dog sniffing out any trouble on the way back.

"Of course, Master Phong. The Omo has been expecting you.  How was your voyage?", Kichiro said in Sahudese.  He hoped that some conversation in his native tongue would help defuse his temper.

In reply to Kichiro (msg # 234):

"The voyage was less stormy than the outbound journey, and I had the benefit of fresh food from home."

"Sounds like the trip went as well as could be expected, Master Phuong.  It shouldn't take long to get back to the compound.", Kichiro added.

In reply to Kichiro (msg # 236):

As you approach, you spot a large familiar figure; the sumotori Shima, formerly employed by Akira Aku No.
When you had least seen him, his arm had been smashed by the tetsubo of Jin the Yakuza.
His arm looks better now, there can only have been divine intervention to repair the mangled limb.
Who he works for now is unknown to you, but the half Oni crime boss had moved to little Shevnia
with most of his remaining supporters and sold all of his interests
in little Sahud to the Omo.

Chou-Zhen keeps an eye on the sumotori, but leaves his whip coiled at his side and his expression neutral.

Ales remains neutral, but inside he secretly wished to shove his scimitar right into Shima's chest.

"Greetings."

"Ho, esteemed people of Sakemoko. Greetings."

In reply to Shima (msg # 240):

Saishi bows slightly in acknowledgement of him.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:02, Fri 17 May.

Chou-Zhen returns his bow.  "Ho, Shima.  I see your arm has improved.  I am pleased that you have recovered so well."